1431 147th Ave
Ham Lake, MN 55304
(763) 413-9950
Neighborhood: Northern Suburbs of Minneapolis
Cuisine: New American
Cost: $$ = $11- $30 – Moderately priced (average entree $12-$34)
Four Forks = Defines excellence in local dining. Worth the investment
Hours:
Monday through Thursday and Sunday 11AM – 10PM
Friday and Saturday 11AM – 11PM
OPEN FOR LUNCH
Sunday – Thursday 11AM-10PM
Friday – Saturday 11AM-11PM
HAPPY HOUR:
Daily 2PM to 5PM and – 9PM to close
$2 off Tap Beers
$2 off Glass Pours of Wine
$3 Glasses of House Wine
$3 Rail Cocktails
MONDAY: 1/2 off tap beer (5-9PM)
TUESDAY: $2.49 bottles of Miller, Michelob and Budweiser family beers (5-9PM)
WEDNESDAY & SUNDAY: 1/2 price bottle of wine night (5PM-close)
THURSDAY: $3 Captain Morgan, Stoli and Tanqueray drinks (6PM-close)
SPECIAL FEATURES: Chef’s Specials – 5PM-10PM, daily sandwich specials as well as homemade soups!
Handicap accessible: Yes
Parking: Private lot
Vegetarian options: Yes
Kid-friendly: No
Liquor served: Full Bar
Wine List: Nice. They have a hand selected wine with a nice variety from Germany, Oregon, France, Argentina, Chile, Washington, Paso Robles, Napa, and more. A “Reserve Wine List” is available that is decent.
Outdoor seating: Yes
Reservations: Yes
Complimentary: There is nothing offered, such as a bread basket which would be nice.
Unique: The menu has hearty portions of American classics – pizza, burgers, pork chops and flat-iron steak, but also offers a wide variety of fresh fish specials, which can be rare in our neck of the woods. The food is eclectic, yet simple. Chef Josh prepares quality dishes with impressive presentations offering homemade pasta and feature locally sourced meats with the best quality ingredients. Although the menu is fairly small, it is very accommodating and seems to have something for everyone.
We eat here on a regular basis and recommend T-Box frequently. Initially, we weren’t totally sure what to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised with the ambiance and the quality.
This establishment is located on the end of a strip mall, but it is really an upscale tavern feel that is very warm and comfortable. The entire staff is professional and very friendly and our food has always been exceptional.
We’ve started off with: We often have the House Salad $5, which is a mixture of greens, tomato, red onion, cucumber, and house made dressings. The salad is always fresh and healthy.
We recently dined with a friend from out of state while looking for a casual, but quality dinner. The three of us shared a Margherita mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil Woodstone Pizza. $9
The crust was perfectly prepared in their brick oven. It included fresh, perfectly seasoned red sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil that they grow with additional fresh herbs that they grow out on their patio when in the season.
In the past, we’ve enjoyed the Bruschetta, $8 – served with mozzarella and tomato relish. A generous portion of crustini’s that are unique because of the melted cheese, but are fresh and flavorful.
Some of the Entree’s enjoyed:
The last visit, Bill and I each enjoyed the Maple Glazed Salmon, $19
The fish was cooked perfectly. Mild, with just the right amount of sweetness from the glaze and the potato croquette, was to die for! A decent sized crispy, bread crumbed fried ball with a pillow soft mashed potato mash inside. The asparagus was cooked tender fresh.
We have previously enjoyed the Lobster Mac & Cheese, $22. The penne pasta with parmesan cream, peas and garlic include large tender bites of sweet fresh lobster. This rich dish is worthy of sharing. It is topped with a crispy layer of toasted breadcrumbs and I highly recommend it!
Jucy Lucy, $9
Who doesn’t love a good old half pound stuffed the burger with American cheese? It’s served simply with mayo, so order your salad on the side. The fries are served hot and they include a small portion of crispy apple coleslaw that is refreshing!
The Reuben is a great go-to the sandwich, $11. A generous portion of thick-cut corned beef, with kraut, swiss cheese, and thousand island dressing served on rye is anything but simple. The flavors are amazing and include a subtle undertone of cinnamon enhancing it.
Pete ordered the Flatiron Steak, $23
A 9oz cut of tender beef, served with fluffy horseradish whipped potatoes, and onion rings. A rich brown Demi-glace finishes this dish!
Bill and I have both enjoyed the fresh Grilled Mahi Mahi.
Served with jalapeno and cilantro rice, salsa verde and roasted corn. A perfect twist of this firm flaky white fish.
The presentation of some of the dishes might surprise you, as well as some of the unique fresh fish specials you wouldn’t expect to find in this area.
j
Opah pan seared with white bean puree, soy citrus vinaigrette, cucumber, poached garlic and fried capers. Opah first became popular as sushi and sashimi in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. It’s meat is lightly flavored and lends itself well to a variety of preparations, principally saute. Opah flesh has a light pink to orange color but turns white when cooked. It is popular in Hawaii, not usually Ham Lake, MN.
Or how about the Pacific Corvina, served with sweet potato and chorizo ragu, sweet potato chips and red pepper aioli?
Or the pan seared pacific Corvina with tomato risotto, mixed greens, and scallop cream sauce! This fish mostly inhabits tropical waters of the southeastern Pacific along Central and South America and it’s a delightful option over the typical Midwest freshwater fish options.
Dessert: We haven’t ordered dessert here, but have seen varieties being delivered to other tables nearby.
The Brownie Cheesecake with vanilla ice cream looks great!
We’ll be back!
Bon appetit!
~Chris
